Company Havildar Major CHHELU RAM

The citation in the London Gazette of 27th July, 1943, gives the following details: During the attack by the 5th Indian Infantry Brigade on the Djebel Garci in Tunisia, on the night of 19th/20th April, 1943, Company Havildar Major Chhelu Ram was with one of the two leading companies, which while approaching the battalion's second objective were held up by a machine-gun post situated on high ground. C.H.M. Chhelu Ram dashed forward with a tommy-gun through heavy fire and single-handed silenced the post, thus enabling the advance to continue. As the leading companies were approaching their third objective the company commander was mortally wounded. C.H.M. Chhelu Ram went to his assistance in a completely exposed position, and was himself seriously wounded. Nevertheless, taking command of his own company and elements of the other, he quickly reorganised them, and so inspired them with his fine example that they successfully repelled a counter-attack. During the fighting he was again wounded, but refused to be carried back, and continued to command his men until he lost consciousness; he died a few minutes later. His magnificent action, leadership and utter contempt for danger were an inspiration to his men and were the chief contribution to the holding of vital ground.